Obama raises money, rallies spirits in Florida

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - President Obama implored Democrats on Monday to remember why they sent him to the White House and told supporters that a Republican-led Congress would prevent him from accomplishing his agenda.

"I can only succeed if I've got help," Obama said during remarks at a high-dollar fundraiser at an oceanfront estate in South Florida.

Obama said that while he would like to believe that Republicans would work with him, he's "not optimistic."

With unemployment at 9.6 percent, Obama said he knows Americans are frustrated. But he said the Nov. 2 midterm elections shouldn't be a referendum on where the country is now, but a choice between which party can get the country to where it needs to be.

Relying on a familiar refrain during his campaign appearances this fall, Obama said Republicans have a "lack of ideas" and a "fundamental lack of seriousness" about how to lead the county in the right direction.

Protesters of the military's ban on gay service members stood outside the entrance to the gated community where Obama spoke, holding banners that read "Stop the Discharges Now." Other activists protesting the "don't ask, don't tell" policy boarded a boat within view of the waterfront property, blowing airhorns during the president's fundraising remarks.

While Obama has repeatedly said he opposes "don't a